Baked Brie en Croûte with Apple Compote

in Diana's Recipe Book

Comments: Serve this tasty savory and sweet appetizer for an extra-special treat at Thanksgiving.

This dish can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. Assemble the pastry, cheese and apple compote, but don’t brush the dough with the egg wash. Instead, wrap the pastry tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until ready to bake. Then brush the frozen pastry with the egg wash and bake in a 350°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes.

Instructions: In a 2-quart sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apples and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and have released most of their liquid, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the sugar and cardamom, stir to dissolve and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 12 to 15 minutes more. Remove from the heat and let the apple compote cool to room temperature.

Position a rack in the center of an oven and preheat to 375 degrees F (190 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

With a sharp knife, cut the cheese in half horizontally. On a clean work surface, place one half of the cheese, sliced side up, and evenly spread 1/2 cup of the apple compote over it. Set the other half, sliced side down, over the compote and spread an additional 1/2 cup compote over the top.

Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and set the cheese in the center of the dough. Fold the dough up over the sides of the cheese, pleating the upper edges to fit snugly around the cheese. Pinch the dough together in the center to seal. Brush the dough evenly with the egg wash and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake until the pastry is golden all over and crisp, 40 to 45 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then transfer to a platter along with a sharp knife and the crackers. Serve any remaining compote alongside.

Serves 6 to 8 as an appetizer before the meal.

Source: Williams-Sonoma Kitchen.

Date: October 16, 2004

Reviews

Reviewer: MarkieRating:Review:This was so good no one wanted dinner after!!! I couldn't stop myself either, the apple combo with the cheese is amazing!

Reviewer: theresaRating:Review:Very good and so easy to do. This will be a staple at every dinner party we have.

Reviewer: Michel GuilaniRating:Review:Another fine apple recipe. It was a hit at two parties this year.

Reviewer: DanielaRating:Review:This recipe is an A+ in my book! I've been making it for every holiday or party we have since last thanksgiving! My family and I are cheeseheads, and the combination of the cheese, and sweetness of the apples are amazing! If you want a great appetizer that no one will turn down, this is it!!!

Reviewer: JordanRating:Review:An elegant dish! It looks very complicated and impressive for the relatives, but couldn't be easier! I've made one large one for an appetizer, or mini-versions for a not-too-sweet dessert. It's a perfect taste for fall/winter.